Affinity chromatography using dried calcium alginate-magnetite separation media in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of conducting affinity chromatographic separations of biomaterials which comprises contacting the biomaterial with a solid support comprising a generally spherical bead having a generally central magnetic core and a surrounding exterior coat about the core comprising a material capable of binding with the biomaterial.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for the manufacture of a mechanically rigid and generally spherical bead having an interior generally comprising a magnetically susceptible material having low residual magnetiziation, and an exterior generally comprising a material capable of binding with bioproduct materials, wherein said bead has low residual magnetization, a rough surface structure, a diameter at least about 200 μm., and a porosity of less than about 5% when in a dried state, comprising the steps of: admixing an alginate solution with a plurality of particles which comprise a magnetically susceptible material having low residual magnetization; and   cross-linking the alginate acid residues of said alginate solution into a gel to form said bead; and   drying said bead.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the alginate solution is prepared from sodium alginate. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein the particles comprise magnetite. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein the cross-linking agent comprises calcium ions. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1 further comprising attaching a binding ligand to the cross-linked support material. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5 wherein the ligand is a triazine dye. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 5 wherein the ligand is a an antibody.